Invention of Lying Follow-Up
Read my full review, “The Invention of Lying: The Gospel According to Ricky“
Here’s a quick quote from Roger Ebert’s review of The Invention of Lying:
“The Invention of Lying isn’t strident, ideological or argumentative; it’s simply the story of a guy trying to comfort his mother and perhaps win the woman he loves. Gervais, who co-directed and co-wrote with Matthew Robinson, walks a delicate tightrope above hazardous chasms.”
I like this quote because, even though I’d argue that the movie is a bit ideological, I get what he means: that it’s not ideological like religious fanatics or politicians are ideological, like born-again Christians or elitist atheist “intellectuals” are ideological. That it might have an agenda, be making some pretty strong, er, suggestions, but it isn’t making them in an aggressive way, a way that alienates. Which is why I liked the movie so much.
To me, the whole film’s set-up, by basically debunking God-based religion, kind of creates this contemporary, modern-man’s, science-age religion in its place. One where we can have a sense of humor about tradition; put the commandments on pizza boxes; break it all down and say, “Look, this is all pretty ridiculous – but so what?”
It just comes down to morality. And at the movie’s core, it’s about striving for happines and goodness, treating people well, ignoring other’s rules and following your heart. The universe may not be run by a “Man in the Sky” but it is still ultimately moral. It’s demystified, sure; all the grand white robes and mountainsides are gone. But isn’t the message the same?
Just a few extra thoughts.
When you get a chance: Take a look at Ebert’s fantastic blog. It’s not just about film. He writes about anything, his history in journalism, his youth in Chicago, joining AA and taking his last drink. Very interesting stuff. He updates every couple of days.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 1:30 am and is filed under film, reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
